The Eurovision Song Contest has introduced a rule that will prevent a winning broadcaster from hosting the following year’s competition when an armed conflict or other security crisis affects its country or surrounding region.
The European Broadcasting Union has included the measure in its rules for the 2027 contest, according to a public summary published by the organisation.
Under the new rules, a winning broadcaster will become ineligible to host if an armed conflict, sensitive geopolitical situation or another circumstance has a material effect on the security, safety or stability of the country or its immediate region.
The provision changes the process for deciding where Eurovision takes place after a country wins.
The EBU has traditionally given the winning broadcaster the opportunity to stage the next contest. The new framework sets out circumstances in which that broadcaster will not receive hosting rights because of security concerns.
The EBU will have the option of commissioning an independent security assessment of the winning country or region. Eurovision’s governing Reference Group will then take part in consultations over whether the broadcaster is in a position to stage the event safely.
If the EBU determines that the winner cannot host, it will select another broadcaster. That broadcaster will assume the rights and responsibilities connected with organising, producing and staging the competition.
The alternative broadcaster will host Eurovision in its own right rather than acting on behalf of the previous year’s winner.
The change forms part of a wider revision of Eurovision rules following feedback from broadcasters after the 2026 contest in Vienna.
The EBU has also raised the minimum age for performers from 16 to 18. From 2027, every competing artist must have turned 18 by the date of their first rehearsal.
Rules covering vocals have also been clarified. Lead singers must perform the main melody live. Pre-recorded material and backing tracks remain permitted, but recorded elements must not replace or provide undue assistance to the live lead vocal.
Semi-final qualification will be determined primarily by the public vote, including votes from the Rest of the World. The rules leave room for jury points to form part of the semi-final results if the Reference Group approves their use.
The EBU has also introduced provisions governing campaigns to attract votes. Broadcasters, performers and commentators remain free to ask viewers to vote, while the rules prohibit disproportionate promotion, including large-scale or state-backed campaigns.
Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green said the revisions followed feedback from EBU members and sought to provide clearer rules and safeguards for performers.
“These changes are about giving everyone involved greater clarity, protecting artists and ensuring the Contest continues to provide a safe and welcoming environment,” Green said in the EBU statement.
The first contest governed by the revised rules will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May 2027.
The EBU and Bulgarian National Television announced on Thursday that Burgas had defeated Sofia in the final stage of the host-city selection. Varna and Plovdiv had also submitted bids.
Bulgaria earned hosting rights after DARA won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga”, giving the country its first victory in the competition.
Arena Burgas will stage the two semi-finals on 11 and 13 May and the grand final on 15 May. The venue opened in 2023.
The 2027 competition will mark the first Eurovision Song Contest held in Bulgaria.
HT